Symmetry number

The symmetry number or symmetry order of an object is the number of different but indistinguishable (or equivalent) arrangements (or views) of the object, i.e. the order of its symmetry group. The object can be a molecule, crystal lattice, lattice, tiling, or in a general case any mathematical object in N-dimensions.[1]

A sphere colored to show the 48 fundamental domains of octahedral symmetry.

In statistical thermodynamics, the symmetry number corrects for any overcounting of equivalent molecular conformations in the partition function. In this sense, the symmetry number depends upon how the partition function is formulated. For example, if one writes the partition function of ethane so that the integral includes full rotation of a methyl, then the 3-fold rotational symmetry of the methyl group contributes a factor of 3 to the symmetry number; but if one writes the partition function so that the integral includes only one rotational energy well of the methyl, then the methyl rotation does not contribute to the symmetry number. [2]

See also

References

  1. IUPAC, Compendium of Chemical Terminology, 2nd ed. (the "Gold Book") (1997). Online corrected version:  (2006) "symmetry number, s". doi:10.1351/goldbook.S06214
  2. Symmetry Numbers for Rigid, Flexible and Fluxional Molecules: Theory and Applications. M.K. Gilson and K. K. Irikura. J. Phys. Chem. B 114:16304-16317, 2010.
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